This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
With Paddington in Peru in cinemas from 8 November, Latin America travel specialists are predicting a surge of interest in family holidays to the country in 2025. The franchise’s third film sees the emigre bear and his adopted family, the Browns, set out from London to visit Great Aunt Lucy — a journey that takes them through the Amazon rainforest and to the peaks of Peru.
Though shot partly in Colombia, Studio Canal has confirmed several filming locations in Peru. These include its capital city Lima; the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and nearby mountain Huayna Picchu; plus, parts of the Sacred Valley including the town of Maras, known for its tiered salt mines. Plan your own adventure with this Paddington-inspired itinerary — marmalade sandwiches optional.
Where to find Paddington in Peru
1. The Amazon
Bisected by its namesake river, this vast and extraordinarily biodiverse rainforest spans nine South American countries. One of its wildest corners is Peru’s Manú National Park, which can be explored by boat and overland with a guide. Home to the country’s national bird, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, it also shelters jaguars, giant armadillos and the elusive spectacled bear on which Paddington is based.
2. The Andes
The ruin-rich city of Cusco serves as the gateway to some Peruvian travel icons. The Sacred Valley, around 35 miles north, has hikes, local markets and archaeological sites. It’s a three-hour train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, at the base of the Machu Picchu. The walk up is steep, but there’s a bus to spare little legs.
3. The coast
Peru has over 1,850 miles of coastline, including the Costa Verde, close to capital city Lima — a cracking spot for older kids to try surf lessons. Further south, there are boat trips to the Islas Ballestas to see sea lions and penguins.
4. Bear country
In Peru’s north, around 40 miles from Chiclayo, the Chaparrí Reserve is one of the best places to see Andean spectacled bears in their natural habitat. This community-owned rewilding sanctuary rehabilitates animals rescued from illegal captivity and relies on tourism to fund its work, offering guided visits as well as overnight stays in its eco-lodge. The 84,000-acre reserve is also rich in bird life, from tiny hummingbirds to mighty king vultures. chaparrilodge.com
Where to find Paddington in London
1. Paddington Walking Tour
This two-and-a-half-hour stroll wends its way through filming locations in Little Venice and Maida Vale before ending up in Alice’s Antiques in Portobello Road, the setting for Mr Gruber’s shop. Fans of the original book series will especially enjoy the insights on places associated with the author, long-time London resident Michael Bond.
2. The Paddington Bear Experience
Story characters guide families through a series of fun activities in this multi-room immersive adventure. Highlights include art puzzles at 32 Windsor Gardens and marmalade-making in the ‘jungle’. Though best suited to under-eights, accompanying adults will appreciate the attention to detail in costume and set design.
3. Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
This classic capital transport adventure takes passengers through central London aboard a red double-decker bus, serving finger sandwiches, scones and cakes with a side-order of city views, and music and pop quizzes to add to the atmosphere. Book well in advance for a top-deck table, or for a journey around Christmastime when Regent Street’s festive lights are up.
4. Paddington Station
A bronze statue of the bear, found on platform number one at Paddington’s namesake rail station, shows him with his signature accessories: a small suitcase and a label around his neck. Michael Bond was inspired to write the character after seeing newsreel footage of child evacuees during the Second World War, many of whom left London by train from this station.
London locations from the first two Paddington films include Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, an arc of ice-cream-coloured houses that served as the exterior of Windsor Gardens. The Natural History Museum and St Paul’s cathedral are also both used in key scenes.
5. The Marmalade Trail
For a more exclusive experience, book The Marmalade Trail, which whisks guests through Paddington’s London in a chauffeur-driven Mini Cooper. The three-hour tour offers a comprehensive overview of shooting locations — including the film’s ‘Geographer’s Guild’, aka Mayfair’s Reform Club — as well as a stand-out souvenir goody bag including a red explorer hat.
6. Paddington the Musical
Keep your eyes peeled for this new musical, set to open in the UK in 2025. It’s being developed by the same production company that made Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Tom Fletcher — a member of the early 2000s band McFly and a successful children’s author — will write both the music and lyrics.
Published in the November 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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